Performance Tips That Will Make You Shine on Stage

Playing a show is a big step up in the world of music. While many bands get gigs, most don’t leave a lasting impression upon the audience. This is because most bands spend more time practicing (which is a good thing) than they do studying (which is something that you need to do).

If you want to have a successful live performance, you are going to have to learn to put on a show. Putting on a show is much different than playing a gig; it involves more physical effort, and more conscious effort.

In this article, we’re going to go over a few bass performance tips so that you can put on the best show possible for any audience you may have.

Tip One: Relax

Nothing is worse than watching a show where the musicians look like they are going to mess themselves.

Relax.

No one is going to chastise you if you don’t sound like band A, B, or C. No one is going to care if you feel a little jittery; just look like you belong. That in and of itself is more than half of the battle. You want to look as if the show is yours. If it helps, take a few deep breaths before getting on stage. Also try drinking herbal tea, as it helps to relax your body and your mind.

Tip Two: Calm Down

No, relaxing and calming down are not the same things.

Why?

Because if your idea of relaxed is going berserk on stage, then you need to calm down, not relax. The second worst thing you can do is go so crazy that you lose your place in a song or wind up hopping off the stage or falling flat on your face.

You may see some musicians swinging their bass guitars, but you need to keep in mind that there are factors which go into those movements, and they aren’t to be done hastily. If they are done hastily, they can result in injury to yourself and to others, as well as damage to your instrument.

Take in your surroundings before swinging anything, calm down and allow yourself to time the movement if you are determined to do it. Make sure no one is close, and if it is a small stage, just don’t do it at all.

Oh, and don’t jump into the crowd thinking they’ll surf you in a small venue on your first gig; they won’t. You’ll fall. Your instrument may break. And you’ll make your band look bad.

Step Three: Interact

Everyone wants to be noticed.

Our third and final tip is that you notice your crowd. Involve them as much as you can in a way that suits your music. That means, if you play metal, get them to mosh; if you play punk, get them to jump; if you have a chanting section, get your audience to chant.

Look at them, not your instrument; you should already know your music up and down and all around. Pay attention to your crowd; it’ll take you far.

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About The Author

Hi, my name is David Woods. My first-hand experience with a private tutor was one filled with frustration. That's why I had created this website to help bass players get a head start in their musical journey.